Classic Shrimp Scampi

$Cooking classic shrimp scampi is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Here's what you need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions These ingredients create a dish full of flavor and texture. The shrimp gives a nice, juicy bite. The butter and garlic create a rich sauce. Fresh lemon and parsley add brightness. You can adjust the heat with red pepper flakes. This dish is quick and perfect for a weeknight meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, you need to clean and devein the shrimp. First, rinse them under cold water. Remove the shell, leaving the tails on for a nice look. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back. This cut will let you see the dark vein. Gently pull it out with the knife. Next, season the shrimp. A little salt and pepper go a long way. You can also sprinkle some lemon juice for extra flavor. This simple step makes the shrimp taste fresh and bright. Now, let’s cook! Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt two tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for one to two minutes. You want the garlic fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Cook for two to three minutes until they turn pink and opaque. When done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. This helps lift the tasty bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for a moment. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Then, return the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for another one to two minutes to heat through. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining two tablespoons of butter and chopped parsley. This gives the sauce a rich flavor and a lovely green color. While you cook the shrimp, prepare the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta but save a little pasta water. This water can help the sauce cling to the noodles. Now, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve your shrimp scampi hot. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a bright touch. Enjoy this easy and tasty meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh shrimp brings a sweet taste that frozen shrimp lacks. Look for shrimp that smells clean and has a shiny look. Use fresh garlic and lemon too, for a bright flavor. To adjust the spiciness, play with the crushed red pepper flakes. Start with less if you prefer milder heat. You can always add more later, but you can't take it out once it's in! Cooking shrimp just right is crucial. Cook them for only 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they will be tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook. When they curl up, they are almost done. Remove them from the heat right away to avoid overcooking. Presentation matters! Use a large bowl or plate to serve the shrimp scampi. Twirl the pasta for a nice, neat look. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Add lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color. It makes the dish look fresh and inviting. You can find the full recipe for this tasty dish in the linked section. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{image_2}} You can switch up the seafood in shrimp scampi. Try using scallops or clams instead of shrimp. Both options add unique flavors and textures. For a healthier twist, consider swapping pasta with zucchini noodles. Zucchini noodles are light and soak up the sauce nicely. This keeps the dish fresh and low-carb. To make the sauce richer, add cream. It gives the dish a smooth, creamy texture that many enjoy. You can also incorporate white wine into the recipe. A splash of white wine enhances the flavors and adds depth. Just let it simmer a bit to cook off the alcohol. These sauce modifications can elevate your shrimp scampi experience to a whole new level. For the full recipe and more tips, you can check out the Full Recipe. To keep your shrimp scampi fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from drying it out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I suggest using a skillet over low heat. This method warms it gently, keeping the shrimp tender. Stir in a splash of broth or water to add moisture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. If you want to freeze shrimp scampi, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge. For best results, reheat it in a skillet on low heat. This preserves the flavor and texture. Enjoy your shrimp scampi like it was freshly made! Making Classic Shrimp Scampi is quick! It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking takes around 10 minutes too. In total, you can enjoy this dish in just 20 minutes. That’s fast for a gourmet meal! Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat and toss with fresh pasta. This way, you save time on busy nights! Pairing your shrimp scampi with tasty sides makes it shine! Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Caesar salad - A fresh green salad For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well. It balances the garlic and lemon flavors. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! In this blog post, we explored how to make classic shrimp scampi. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for great flavor. You learned how to adjust the spice level and plate your dish nicely. Variations and storage tips ensured you can enjoy the meal later. These methods can help you create a delicious shrimp scampi, perfect for any occasion. Cooking is fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients! Enjoy your tasty meal!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Zesty Lemon! This quick and easy recipe is bursting with flavor, combining succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with a zesty lemon kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's ready in just 20 minutes! Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your meal plan with this delightful dish that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and then return the shrimp back into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped parsley until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.

Toss the cooked spaghetti or linguine in the sauce until evenly coated.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4